Jul 19 Rittenhouse Rye Bottled In Bond Review

Background

Rittenhouse Rye Bottled in Bond is a budget, straight rye whiskey produced by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. in Bardstown, Kentucky. Heaven Hill's BIB game is among the strongest in the industry and its no surprise that their catalog includes a straight rye. It's worth noting that the only other BIB rye in the game today is the Colonel E. H. Taylor Jr. Rye which commands nearly 3 times the price. In addition to the Rittenhouse BIB, Heaven Hill produces two other straight rye whiskeys from the same 51% "barely legal" rye mashbill - Pikesville Supreme (80 proof) and Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey (110 proof, 6 years old).

Thoughts

Everyone remembers their first rye whiskey - mine just so happened to be Rittenhouse Rye Bottled In Bond. And as first ryes go it was a fantastic introduction to the style of whiskey. What makes this juice so special? Nothing in particular other than $25 gets you a 100 proof, 4 year old, readily available straight rye whiskey that is a versatile mixer and will work neat in a pinch.

However, that being said Ritt BIB is just OK neat - there are far better sipping options with higher rye contents, ages, and/or proofs. Don't get me wrong, this rye will always have a special place in my heart but it has its place and that place is in mixed drinks. I'm of the opinion that using high end super premium whiskeys in mixed drinks is a waste. Evan Williams BIB Bourbon and Rittenhouse BIB Rye are my go-to whiskeys in cocktails and for good reason - cheap, readily available and with enough proof to stand up to other flavors. Whatever your preference give Rittenhouse Bottled In Bond Rye a shot if you haven't - you won't be dissapointed. Cheers.